Storia dell’energia geotermica nel mondo / History of Geothermal Energy in the World.
Parte delle nostre radici culturali / Part of our Cultural Roots

Area 09 – Ingegneria industriale e dell'informazione

Of the three main renewable energy sources — solar, wind and geothermal — the least understood and appreciated is geo­thermal. Solar and geothermal are primal and sustaining forms of energy for the Earth. People directly experience solar energy through their senses of sight and feeling; they see and feel the effects of wind every day of their lives. People generally accept and support the use of these two energy resources, even though both can cause detrimental effects such as droughts and hurricanes. When it comes to geothermal, most have only vague notions about it. They may attribute volcanic eruptions and earthquakes to geothermal energy, but are unacquainted with its benefits. Relatively few have had any personal pleasurable experiences geothermal energy. While millions of people annually visit the spectacular, awe–inspiring geyser fields in Yellowstone National Park in the United States, far fewer have experienced the geysers and hot springs in Iceland, at El Tatio in Chile, and in the Geyser Valley on Kamchakta in Russia. While the Japanese people embrace geothermal hot springs as a relaxing and healthful experience, as do some Europeans, millions around the world have no knowledge whatsoever of geothermal energy. This is unfortunate, for it is precisely geothermal energy that creates the geologic forces that give our planet its vitality and longevity. Cataldi and Suárez Arriaga present a scholarly, highly readable, comprehensive history of the relationship between geothermal activity and humankind. They begin before the age of humans and trace the long history, illuminating their narrative with sketches and stunningly beautiful artwork. A reading of this monograph will leave one with a deep appreciation of the importance of geo­thermal energy in shaping the world in which we live. Geothermal energy has contributed mightily to our health and well–being, to the commerce of nations, and to much technological advancement. The more people come to understand this reality, the greater role geothermal energy will play as we strive to thrive and survive on this dynamic planet of ours. (From the Presentation by Ronald DiPippo.)

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